Jordan Peele To Write Candyman Reboot

Get ready for another moment in horror history, because Jordan Peele is getting back in the saddle. Peele, who won an Academy Award for his visceral take on racism in his 2017 horror film Get Out, will reportedly co-write a Candyman “re-imagining” alongside Win Rosenfeld, whom he worked with on his latest film BlackkKlansman. Newcomer Nia DaCosta will direct, bringing some much-needed diversity to the genre.

The “spiritual sequel” will take place in the original (now-gentrified) Chicago neighborhood and will produce a fresher, more modern story for newer audiences.

The original Candyman, released in 1992 and starring now-legendary horror actor Tony Todd, is widely recognized as one of the best horror movies of all time, with one of the most discernible villains in all of cinema. The film was adapted from Clive Barker’s novel The Forbidden, following the urban legend about a man named Daniel Robitaille known as Candyman who, when his name is said five times in a mirror, is summoned, usually with deadly consequences.

Peele recognizes the significance of the original, remarking: “The original was a landmark film for black representation in the horror genre. Alongside Night of the Living Dead, Candyman was a major inspiration for me as filmmaker — and to have a bold new talent like Nia at the helm of this project is truly exciting. We are honored to bring the next chapter in the Candyman canon to life and eager to provide new audiences with an entry point to Clive Barker’s legend.”

There’s no word yet on if Tony Todd will be involved in the reboot. Filming is set to begin in 2019, with an anticipated release date from MGM and Universal Pictures of June 12th, 2020.